R

in sharp angles as I brace myself, determined to hold my stance this time. M

es me with a cruel smile, her own staff balanced lightly in

. "I'm tryin

learn

mpact rattles my bones. I stumble, my wolf snarling inside me. Astrid'

ept me going. Each blow Astrid landed

er – more a performance than a sparing lesson.

y side as the staff clatter away. The bond flares painfully, my

ing to the dust. Gasps echo from the sidelines.Before As

The crow

esence crushing. He shoves Astrid back with one hand

ors to silence. Power radiate off him, the kin

w, lethal – but his hands are already

humb brushed her skin

ng my side. "Why

the break. The touch is firm, almost rough, but beneath it lingers

n growls, his voice low only she cou

t just fear, not just anger, but someth

way. "Then claim me, or let me go!" My

ming like a living thing between us. His thumb brushes against my wrist

re before she mask it with a cold laugh. The w

ouche

.. but not acce

esn't know wh

one heartbeat longer – then he pushes to

leaving me kneeling in the dust, my heart pou

watching from the edge of the yard, is the one who is

have walked away, but for the first ti

resolve sharpens. I will rise. I will endure. And maybe, just maybe, I will find a w

MO

h the air-an instinct

weigh the consequences, muscles co

r-Aria-steadying her against the rough ground. My wolf screams

oice is low, lethal, but so

ribs, eyes full of disbelief and

inder that we are tied, that I can

, voice trembling with something I refu

warning. Aria catches my wrist, yanking m

bric. My wolf surged, clawing, demanding I hold her closer-claim h

thumb brushes her wrist-an electric spark neither could deny. Then I step back, jaw ti

IA

fiber in my body wants to step forward and fight, to demand Damon see Aria's worth

Aria as I help her rise. My heart thuds, not with victory

ice steady but warm. "You'r

lf still restless. She hasn't yet seen the edge